Seven running for At-Large seats

Seven potential candidates turned in election papers to get their names on the ballot for this fall’s citywide At-Large City Council race.

In Mission Hill’s District 8, incumbent City Councilor Mike Ross is the only one who turned in papers by the May 24 deadline, so his name is the only one that will appear on the ballot for that seat.

The Election Department has about a month to certify the signatures potential candidates were required to collect to get their names on the ballot. The official list will be finalized July 5.

The potential At-Large candidates include incumbents Felix Arroyo, John Connolly, Steve Murphy and Ayanna Pressley. The challengers are Hyde Park resident Will Dorcena; former At-Large City Councilor and mayoral candidate Michael Flaherty; and Sean Ryan, who has run for city council twice before. In 2009, Ryan sought an At-Large seat. Last year he ran unsuccessfully in the special election to replace former District 6 city councilor John Tobin.

District 7 City Councilor Tito Jackson, who represents a small part of the neighborhood including Alice Taylor Homes, faces three potential challengers: Althea Garrison, Roy Owens and Sheneal Parker.

District 6 City Councilor Matt O’Malley, who represents part of Back of The Hill, is running unopposed for reelection.

Other write-in candidates could emerge for all of those races. The election is Nov. 8.